QUESTION

Installing 18" x 18" tile in a bathroom - I am tiling my bathroom and want to use 18x18 tiles on the wall (wet area over backer board, dry area over drywall). Can I do that? Is there anything special I would need?

ANSWER

ANSWER - Yes you can install 18 x 18 inch ceramic tiles or stone tiles over a backer board in the shower and over drywall in the adjacent bathroom wall area if done correctly.  Most ceramic tiles and stones would be suitable for this application, but you must confirm with the product's manufacturer and producer.

The shower has to be properly waterproofed first.  The shower pan has to be constructed correctly to allow for proper slope and waterproofing.  The walls have to have moisture barrier behind the backer board.  The transition areas have to be caulked with a proper sealant including the transition from the backerboard to the drywall.  The drywall should be water resistant green board or better e.g. Denshield.

There are a lot of things that need to be done correctly to ensure a good performing and lasting tile installation.  For guidelines to a proper installation click on the following link: CTaSC Installation Guidelines.

Good Luck!